Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia
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What Is Schizophrenia?

• Schizophrenia is a medical illness
• it affects approximately one in every 100 people
• the onset of this illness is usually between the
  ages of 16 and 25

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• It is characterized by
• delusions
• hallucinations
• disturbances in thinking and communicating
• deteriorating social functioning

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What is the Cause of Schizophrenia?

• The cause of schizophrenia is unknown
• areas of interest in the study of the cause are
  biochemistry cerebral blood flow molecular
  biology genetic pre disposition stress drug
  abuse and nutritional theories

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Changes in a Person with Schizophrenia.

• may show a loss or lack of emotion
• lose motivation
• lose interest in previously enjoyed activities
• emotions may be inappropriate

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• thoughts become disordered
• thoughts may be slowed down, or speeded up to the
  point they have trouble focusing on them

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• may become confused
• have trouble making decisions
• think in a delusional manner
• may lose the sense that they are real, or that
  they have a body.

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How is Schizophrenia Treated?

• Antipsychotic medications
• work with the person and his/her family
• hospitalization
• social skills training
• residential living
• recreational and vocational training